I thought this was an interesting story given that both Babcock and Blashill have expiring contracts next year. By holding on to Blashill this year it takes some negotiating power away from Babcock next year.

Ive been saying since last year to bring up Blashill. He has a very impressive resume he's won every championship of the league he's coached in, knows how to use kids, even spent time as assistant in NHL so he knows what to do.

Babcock's time is over, his system doesn't work here anymore, time for some new blood and energy. Blashill knows these kids, he's doing very well with them.

Ive been saying since last year to bring up Blashill. He has a very impressive resume he's won every championship of the league he's coached in, knows how to use kids, even spent time as assistant in NHL so he knows what to do.

Babcock's time is over, his system doesn't work here anymore, time for some new blood and energy. Blashill knows these kids, he's doing very well with them.

Isn't Blashill's system the same as Babcock's? i keep hearing about how the transition for Nyqvist, Sheahan, Jurco, etc is so smooth partially because the system in place in GR is an emulation of the Red Wings.
If Babcock does decide to retire or move on, I would prefer Blashill take over though. He is familiar with what it takes to be successful at every level, and is already well acquainted with the Red Wings' organization, how things are run, personelle, etc.

I'm glad we are holding onto our organizational talent. Its time we stopped feeding other teams with great talent from the coaching staff up to the front office. The main lag that happened for us was that Holland never stepped down when he said he would (when lids retired) and we ended up losing Nill and a bunch of staff to Dallas. We need to hold onto Blashill - babs has been here for so long its almost time and we need an option to replace him when the time comes. Don't want to end up with torts.

Ive been saying since last year to bring up Blashill. He has a very impressive resume he's won every championship of the league he's coached in, knows how to use kids, even spent time as assistant in NHL so he knows what to do.

Babcock's time is over, his system doesn't work here anymore, time for some new blood and energy. Blashill knows these kids, he's doing very well with them.

What did he win at Western Michigan?

I'm glad we are holding onto our organizational talent. Its time we stopped feeding other teams with great talent from the coaching staff up to the front office. The main lag that happened for us was that Holland never stepped down when he said he would (when lids retired) and we ended up losing Nill and a bunch of staff to Dallas. We need to hold onto Blashill - babs has been here for so long its almost time and we need an option to replace him when the time comes. Don't want to end up with torts.

Pretty sure when he said that it was said sarcastically. I don't think most took it as a career declaration.

Honestly NON COACHES can't coach and especially at the elite level. People - including me - were laughing at Canada playing without hockey gear but the players took advantage of it. The only thing I would bet my house on:

IF Babcock someday decides it's time to move on he will be the shortest unemployed coach ever.

Whoa, sit back in your arm chair and realize this /\ is a huge load of crap! Look at Dave Lewis... you think he thought he could win a Cup with Scotty's team? and did he? Nope, he failed miserably with basically the same team. Great players don't equal success if you can't get the most out of them or dont use them properly.

If we don't have Babcock behind the bench this season we don't make the playoffs for the 23rd straight year. Babcock isn't going anywhere and rightfully so. Babcock retires a Red Wing!

No, an overabundance of talent did that.

Not to discount coaching but when the deck is stacked as well as it was.. coaching becomes less important.

Babcock has said before that 10 years is about the max a coach can be effective in one place. Given his statements about not signing an extension, unless they're just bluster to get a better deal, and the fact that they won't let other teams talk to Blashill lead me to believe that there's a good chance Babcock steps down after next season and Blashill takes over. Beyond that, to me it makes sense to bring in a coach who is going to have direct experience coaching most of the guys who will be the long term core of the team going forward, as well as knowing the vets from training camps.

I bought some Maple Lea Tea. It cost a fortune and didn't come with a Cup.